Why You Need to Participate in Defensive Driving Around Trucks

Many people are on the road during the summer months due to family road trips and students being out of school. As a result, more drivers are sharing the road with each other—increasing one’s risk of crashing. This is why it is critical to participate in defensive driving on Florida roadways, especially around large trucks.

During this time of the year, truck drivers can be fed up with the higher than usual summer traffic and may feel entitled to the road since they view it as their place of business. As a result, truck drivers may drive aggressively and pose a serious risk to you. Not only are commercial trucks large and heavy, but trucks have large blind spots. If a truck driver isn’t fully paying attention to the road, is distracted, impaired by drugs or alcohol, or is suffering from drowsy driving, he or she may swerve into your lane, change lanes on top of you, and cause you to crash.

Since driver error is responsible for the vast majority of traffic collisions, it is critical for all drivers to master defensive driving skills such as:

Leave plenty of space between your car and another vehicle.

Maintain a safe speed.

Never assume that the truck driver next to you is giving the roadway 100 percent attention.

Have an escape route by always knowing what traffic is ahead of you, behind you, and to the sides of your vehicle.

While you may have done everything to stay safe, if a truck driver caused you to crash, you may have a claim for damages. Learn about your legal rights by downloading a free copy of our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck, or Bike Accident.